What is the New CACFP Meal Pattern?

HHFKA required USDA to update the CACFP meal patterns and make them more consistent with the most recent version of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Dietary Guidelines).

The new meal patterns will work in concert with the school nutrition standards to ensure children have access to healthy, balanced meals throughout the day. They introduce nutritious foods early in children’s lives so children become accustomed to the fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other healthy foods served in the NSLP.  For example, the updated standards,

• Divide the fruit and vegetable component into a separate vegetable component and fruit component, and allows two vegetables to be served at lunch and supper
• Establish a sugar limit on breakfast cereals and yogurts
• Require at least one serving of grains per day be whole grain-rich 
• Require unflavored, whole milk be served to children one year of age; and 1 percent or non-fat milk for children 2 years old and older and adults
• Allow providers to receive reimbursement when the mother comes to the day care center or home and directly breastfeeds her infant
• Allow for the introduction of solid foods before or after six months of age as developmentally appropriate for the infant
• Disallows frying as a way of preparing food onsite, and defines frying as deep-fat frying

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